Sprinters and general classification riders who don’t feel well will be shivering on the bus on Thursday, July 6th, on their way to the starting point in Tarbes. In stage 6 of the Tour de France 2023, we will climb the legendary Col du Tourmalet. Before that, we also have the Col d’Aspin, and the finish line is in Cauterets-Cambasque. Can Tadej Pogačar dominate again like he did in the last Tour passage over the Tourmalet? Or will Jonas Vingegaard, like last year in the high mountains, reign supreme? Sit tight, because the Tourmalet and d’Aspin are Tour classics, and fireworks are guaranteed! Cycling-Classics.com is presenting the preview Tour 2023 stage 6!
Tour 2023 Preview Stage 6 – Cauterets – Cambasque
So, the sixth stage of the Tour de France 2023 starts in Tarbes, a city located in the southwest of France. It is the capital of the Hautes-Pyrénées department. Tarbes is known for its rich history, architecture, and cultural heritage. It is also an important center for the aerospace industry, with the presence of Tarbes-Lourdes-Pyrénées Airport and several aviation companies. The city has a vibrant agricultural sector, especially focused on the production of corn, beans, and wine.
Cauterets-Cambasque is a small village located in the French Pyrenees, in the Hautes-Pyrénées department. It is a popular destination for nature lovers and adventurers due to its beautiful mountain landscapes and proximity to Pyrénées National Park.
Tour 2023 Preview Stage 6 – Col d’Aspin and Tourmalet
Before we presenting you the favorites and contenders Tour 2023 stage 6, we first analyze the route. Want to read the preview (voorbeschouwing Tour de France etappe 6) from our Dutch / Belgium friends of Voorjaarsklassiekers.be? You can find it through the link here!
Tour 2023 Preview Stage 6: The Route
During this 145-kilometer mountain stage, three challenging undertakings await. First, the Col d’Aspin (12 kilometers at 6.6 percent), followed by the mythical Col du Tourmalet (17.2 kilometers at 7.3 percent), and the finish is on the 16-kilometer final climb to Cauterets-Cambasque.
The Col d’Aspin is a mountain pass in the French Pyrenees with an altitude of 1,489 meters. It is a popular destination for cyclists due to its challenging ascent and stunning landscapes. The pass is regularly included in the Tour de France. Thibaut Pinot was the first to reach the top here last year. Riders such as Julian Alaphilippe (2018), Thomas Voeckler (2012), Franco Pellizotti (2009), Riccardo Ricco (2008), Fabian Wegmann (2006), Michael Rasmussen (2004), Sylvain Chavanel (2003), and Bobby Julich (2001) have all been the first to reach the top of the Col d’Aspin in Tour stages in this century.
The Col du Tourmalet, on the other hand, is a 2,115-meter-high mountain pass and an indispensable part of the history of Le Grande Boucle since it was first included in 1910. No other mountain has been climbed as frequently as the Tourmalet since then. Our thoughts go back to the era of Lance Armstrong, where the Col du Tourmalet was conquered in four out of his seven (stripped) Tour victories. There was always fierce competition, whether it was Iban Mayo or Jan Ullrich. Often in vain, as they would tire themselves out, allowing the master Armstrong himself to finish strong at the respective finish line.
The list of passages and arrivals is incredibly long. Thibaut Pinot was the last rider to win on the Col du Tourmalet when it served as a finish line (2019). Andy Schleck (2010) and Jean-Pierre Danguillaume (1974) preceded him.
Near the top of the climb, there is a monument in memory of former Tour director Jacques Goddet. The Souvenir Jacques Goddet will be awarded to the first rider to reach the top in this Tour 2023 stage 6. Will it be a general classification rider or an escapee?
Before we analyze the favorites, let’s take a trip back in history once again. In 2003, on the way to Luz Ardiden, we also had the duo of Col d’Aspin and Col du Tourmalet. It was the stage that many cycling fans will remember. Here, Lance Armstrong fell, triumphed, and sealed the Tour de France on the final climb to Luz-Ardiden.
More recently, in 2010, Alberto Contador and Andy Schleck fought out a legendary duel on the Col du Tourmalet.
Tour 2023 Preview Stage 6 – Favorites
After the legendary stage 5, where Jai Hindley took over the yellow jersey and Jonas Vingegaard outperformed Tadej Pogacar in the first Pyrenees stage, we will now deepdive in the contenders and favorites stage 6 Tour de France 2023!
Top favorites: Jonas Vingegaard (Jumbo-Visma) and Felix Gall (AG2R Citroën) Outsiders: Dylan Teuns (Israel-Premier Tech), Thibaut Pinot (Groupama-FDJ), Jai Hindley (BORA-hansgrohe), and Tadej Pogacar (UAE-Team Emirates) Longshots: Neilson Powless (EF Education-EasyPost), David Gaudu (Groupama-FDJ), Mattias Skjelmose (Lidl-Trek), Tom Pidcock (INEOS Grenadiers), Ruben Guerreiro (Movistar), Guillaume Martin (Cofidis), and Pello Bilbao (Bahrain Victorious)